Playing Civilization VI can be a rich and rewarding experience, as you guide a civilization from the Stone Age to the Information Age. Here’s a comprehensive guide to get you started as a new player:

Understanding the Basics:
Game Objective - Your goal is to build a civilization that can stand the test of time and achieve one of several victory conditions: Science, Culture, Domination, Religion, or Score.
Turn-Based Gameplay - Civ VI is a turn-based strategy game. Each turn, you can command your units to explore the world, develop new cities, engage in combat, or build improvements.
Start Easy - Begin with lower difficulty settings to understand game mechanics without too much pressure.
Focus on Expansion - Early in the game, focus on building a strong foundation: expand your cities, develop infrastructure, and explore the map.
Balance Your Approach - While it’s tempting to focus on one aspect (like military), neglecting others (like science or culture) can leave you vulnerable.
Use Scouts - Early scouting is crucial. Discover other civilizations, city-states, and gain valuable bonuses from tribal villages.
Manage Happiness - Keep an eye on city happiness (amenities). Unhappy cities suffer in production and growth.
Plan City Placement - Consider proximity to resources, defensive terrain, and room for districts when founding new cities.
Save Often - Especially before making major decisions. This allows you to experiment and learn from mistakes without major setbacks.

By understanding these basics and gradually experimenting with different strategies, you’ll become more comfortable with the game’s mechanics and enjoy the strategic depth of Civilization VI. Happy gaming!